News
Nov 11, 2020
While virtual events and video conferencing aren’t a perfect substitute for face-to-face, technology that replicates the real-life experience as much as possible could be a viable option, particularly for work teams and stakeholders wanting to stay connected during the COVID-19 era. Enter Preciate, a relationship-building platform for workplaces that launched Preciate Social, the first virtual socializing and teambuilding platform designed specifically for companies and teams, in late September.
Built to provide an immersive experience that replicates the atmosphere of real-life business… more
Nov 10, 2020
The National Confectioners Association will move Sweets & Snacks Expo, which has taken place in Chicago every spring in its 23-year history (except for 2020, which was canceled), to Indianapolis next year. As the confectionary and snack industry’s premiere event, the 2021 Sweets & Snacks Expo — which typically features approximately 800 exhibitors and draws 15,000 attendees from 90 countries — will take place June 22-25 at Indiana Convention Center.
Together with the Board of Trustees and the Sweets & Snacks Expo Committee, NCA made this decision to move out of Chicago’s… more
Nov 09, 2020
Due to the continued rise in COVID-19 infections in the U.S. and across the globe, the in-person portion of this year’s Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting and Exhibition — which was to be a hybrid event Dec. 8-10 in Louisville, Ky. — has been called off. Instead, the association will refocus on transitioning many of the show’s physical elements into a virtual format, according to IAEE officials.
“Our board, staff and members were excited to take part in this annual, in-person event,” said Bob McLean, IAEE chairperson. “However, in light of current health and safety concerns, the board has… more
Nov 09, 2020
Claude Molinari, general manager of TCF Center, has been chosen as the new president and CEO of the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, effective Jan. 1, 2021. He will succeed current president and CEO Larry Alexander, who is retiring at the end of 2020 after leading the DMCVB for 22 years.
In this role, Molinari will be responsible for developing the DMCVB’s strategic direction and overseeing its operations, providing the necessary leadership and direction to enable the organization to attract meetings and conventions, leisure and business visitors to metropolitan Detroit and… more
Nov 09, 2020
If you missed Weeks 1, 2 or 3, start here to learn why event professionals need a personal brand in the first place. Then, read this to discover how to build your brand foundation and go here to learn what should be on your website.
Last week, Natasa Djukanovic briefly mentioned the value of being consistent and service-focused in your content strategy. Today, we’ll dive in deeper on the topic of creating content for your personal brand with Hannah Nieves, principal and founder of her eponymous New York-based consulting firm for marketing, branding and PR.
A key point to keep in mind: When… more
Nov 07, 2020
Eight months after Caesars Forum was scheduled to have its grand opening and start welcoming a packed schedule of groups before it was stopped in its tracks by COVID-19, the new venue hosted its first event – the 2020 ConferenceDirect Annual Partner Meeting.
“We have always admired the work that Brian Stevens and the team at ConferenceDirect do,” said Michael Massari, chief sales officer for Caesars Entertainment.
He added, “We enjoy a long-standing partnership and are pleased that we hosted this important event.”
During the closing general session, Massari was recognized by Jerry… more
Nov 06, 2020
SIAARTI, the Italian Society of Anaesthesia, Analgesia, Intensive Care and Resuscitation, together with AIM Group International, a company with 60 years of experience in congresses, events and communication, broke the mold and re-invented the concept of a congress. Through its Traveling with ICARE tour, which took place Sept. 21-Oct. 4, anesthesiologists and resuscitators were greeted around Italy with a traveling knowledge exchange event.
“We understood that the scientific society members needed to feel closeness to their colleagues engaged in the ongoing health emergency, and it was… more
Nov 06, 2020
Event technology and services companies 365 MEDIA and Taffy Event Strategies have formed a new strategic partnership to provide nonprofits and associations with needs analysis, planning and execution of virtual and hybrid events. The alliance comes on the heels of 365 MEDIA’s recent launch of its virtual event playbooks and services, designed to help associations and nonprofits maximize growth potential in the virtual realm.
The new collaboration will facilitate the sharing of virtual event best practices to deliver expertise, ROI and efficiency for organizations seeking to pivot to virtual… more
Nov 05, 2020
If you missed Weeks 1 or 2, start here to learn why event pros need a personal brand in the first place, then read this to discover how to build your brand foundation.
You’ve set the stage for crafting your personal brand on the Internet, and now it’s time to execute. It’s important to remember that creating a personal brand takes time and effort, so consider it a long-term solution that will help you to yield the results you’re after — rather than a quick fix for a lay-off or furlough situation.
To create a successful personal brand online, you should be two things: consistent and service… more
Nov 04, 2020
Implementing comprehensive safety measures, High Point Market forged ahead with its fall show, wrapping up the nine-day expanded home furnishings event on Oct. 21.
Held Oct. 13-21 at High Point Market in High Point, N.C., the Fall Market experienced lower and more sporadic visitor traffic than in previous years. However, exhibitors reported strong order-writing thanks to serious buyers who showed up ready to do business.
“We kicked off Market with an energetic and exciting day full of appointments and walk-ins on Tuesday,” said Amanda Kinney, co-owner of Antique & Design Center of High… more
Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here.
New Wave Experiences
Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024.
Enhanced Technology
Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space.
Refreshing New Design & Fine Art
The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights.
Sustainable Spectacles
Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles.
The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.